Travel arrangements, travel documents, validity of documentation comprehensive travel insurance

[Gerhard58]

Hello dear Pilgrims

I've been reading this threat about passports and visa with interest.

Below I offer some advice about visas and passports. I know that many countries have no problems with visas, but in ALL cases the validity of National passports/ I D cards is important.

As a person who have dealt with consular matters ( Visas , passports ) all my working life , I generally agree with what is mentioned as advice in this thread.

Security concerns are paramount for all countries , especially recently in France. Please don't be complacent about your travelling arrangements/documents. If you falter here youcan wave your Camino plans goodbye. Immigration authorities now take their countries' security concern much more serious than worrying about a few tourists who cannot enter because their travel documentation is wrong !! Expect little sympathy from immigration and airline officers you broke up with the outdated passports and visas as well as not having the right travel insurance.

I'm quite aware that there are many many countries who do not need visas to enter the Schengen area ; but there are equally just as many countries where the passport holders must apply for the necessary Schengen visa before he or she will be allowed to enter (in this regard Spain, Portugal and France.)


I just want to I light the following very important points .

1. All countries are now more security concerned then ever before.
2. See that you have the correct visa ( applied for in your country of domicile ), (Schengen visa ) that is if you need a visa. Please make very sure !
3. Its your duty to see that your passport 's expiry date in more that 6 months away from the day of entry into France/Spain.
4. See that you have open pages in your passport for the entry and exit stamps when entering of leaving a country.
6. If you come from certain countries ( check yourself ) , then yellow fever certificates are required
7. Please see that your COMREHENSIVE TRAVELINSURANCE is in place and valid. ( for obvious reasons )
8. Last, to UK passport holders, please keep your self abreast with the BREXIT arrangements from the EU.
8. If you are one of those counties who need visas to enter Spain/Portugal etc., don't overstay the time which is granted per the visa please

I would appreciate any comments or additions please

 

[camino-david]

Excellent info from gerhard58. Please remember that your passport (or ID Card if from a Shengen country) is your only official form of identification, and will have to be shown at most accommodation places. If you object to showing it to an authorised official you can be deported.
Also on a personal note, my son and his family recently intended to go on an overseas holiday, but at the check-in desk at the airport it was found that one son's passport was ONE day short of the 6 months validity, and the airline refused to allow him on board.

 

[trecile]

Hello dear Pilgrims

I've been reading this threat about passports and visa with interest.

Below I offer some advice about visas and passports. I know that many countries have no problems with visas, but in ALL cases the validity of National passports/ I D cards is important.

As a person who have dealt with consular matters ( Visas , passports ) all my working life , I generally agree with what is mentioned as advice in this thread.

Security concerns are paramount for all countries , especially recently in France. Please don't be complacent about your travelling arrangements/documents. If you falter here youcan wave your Camino plans goodbye. Immigration authorities now take their countries' security concern much more serious than worrying about a few tourists who cannot enter because their travel documentation is wrong !! Expect little sympathy from immigration and airline officers you broke up with the outdated passports and visas as well as not having the right travel insurance.

I'm quite aware that there are many many countries who do not need visas to enter the Schengen area ; but there are equally just as many countries where the passport holders must apply for the necessary Schengen visa before he or she will be allowed to enter (in this regard Spain, Portugal and France.)


I just want to I light the following very important points .

1. All countries are now more security concerned then ever before.
2. See that you have the correct visa ( applied for in your country of domicile ), (Schengen visa ) that is if you need a visa. Please make very sure !
3. Its your duty to see that your passport 's expiry date in more that 6 months away from the day of entry into France/Spain.
4. See that you have open pages in your passport for the entry and exit stamps when entering of leaving a country.
6. If you come from certain countries ( check yourself ) , then yellow fever certificates are required
7. Please see that your COMREHENSIVE TRAVELINSURANCE is in place and valid. ( for obvious reasons )
8. Last, to UK passport holders, please keep your self abreast with the BREXIT arrangements from the EU.
8. If you are one of those counties who need visas to enter Spain/Portugal etc., don't overstay the time which is granted per the visa please

I would appreciate any comments or additions please

My passport doesn't expire until 2021, but I just made a note in my calendar to renew it in 2020.

 

[Gerhard58]

My passport doesn't expire until 2021, but I just made a note in my calendar to renew it in 2020.

Thank you for your information my dear friend. We all make arrangements for trains from Paris to St Jeanetc , and we worry about sleeping bags and liners and Boots !!! it's it true that if your travel documentation is not coreect you will not be allowed into this Schengen visa free area! So please look at your passport and even if you do not need visas because of your citizenship at least look at the expiry date of your passport and whether you have I feel empty pages for them to put your stamp in when you arrive in either Portugal, France or Spain

 

[Marigold Mama]

Hello dear Pilgrims

I've been reading this threat about passports and visa with interest.

Below I offer some advice about visas and passports. I know that many countries have no problems with visas, but in ALL cases the validity of National passports/ I D cards is important.

As a person who have dealt with consular matters ( Visas , passports ) all my working life , I generally agree with what is mentioned as advice in this thread.

Security concerns are paramount for all countries , especially recently in France. Please don't be complacent about your travelling arrangements/documents. If you falter here youcan wave your Camino plans goodbye. Immigration authorities now take their countries' security concern much more serious than worrying about a few tourists who cannot enter because their travel documentation is wrong !! Expect little sympathy from immigration and airline officers you broke up with the outdated passports and visas as well as not having the right travel insurance.

I'm quite aware that there are many many countries who do not need visas to enter the Schengen area ; but there are equally just as many countries where the passport holders must apply for the necessary Schengen visa before he or she will be allowed to enter (in this regard Spain, Portugal and France.)


I just want to I light the following very important points .

1. All countries are now more security concerned then ever before.
2. See that you have the correct visa ( applied for in your country of domicile ), (Schengen visa ) that is if you need a visa. Please make very sure !
3. Its your duty to see that your passport 's expiry date in more that 6 months away from the day of entry into France/Spain.
4. See that you have open pages in your passport for the entry and exit stamps when entering of leaving a country.
6. If you come from certain countries ( check yourself ) , then yellow fever certificates are required
7. Please see that your COMREHENSIVE TRAVELINSURANCE is in place and valid. ( for obvious reasons )
8. Last, to UK passport holders, please keep your self abreast with the BREXIT arrangements from the EU.
8. If you are one of those counties who need visas to enter Spain/Portugal etc., don't overstay the time which is granted per the visa please

I would appreciate any comments or additions please

Sorry to appear dense but...(1) How does one determine if one needs the "Schengen Visa"? (2) Exactly what is "Comprehensive Travel Insurance"? Would my private insurance be adequate if it includes travel?
Thanks a bunch for any further information.

 

[whariwharangi]

Sorry to appear dense but...(1) How does one determine if one needs the "Schengen Visa"? (2) Exactly what is "Comprehensive Travel Insurance"? Would my private insurance be adequate if it includes travel?
Thanks a bunch for any further information.

You could look at your State department or equivalent Foreign Affairs dept website regarding visa requirements for travelers.

You could contact the Spanish Embassy (et al) in your country to ask about visa requirements.

In general, if you are from a western aligned country (ie AUSCANZUKUS) then you can travel to Schengen countries for 90 days out of every 180 without a formal visa. (it doesn't work to go for a day to places like Gibraltar for a reset)

Schengen Information
https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas_en

 

[Gerhard58]

Sorry to appear dense but...(1) How does one determine if one needs the "Schengen Visa"? (2) Exactly what is "Comprehensive Travel Insurance"? Would my private insurance be adequate if it includes travel?
Thanks a bunch for any further information.

Dear Marigold, I agree with what Whari contributed, you know you must be a little bit more aware of the political situation when you travel internationally. Please don't assume that because you are a holder after certain passport you are immune to immigration and entry limitations.

I promise you that if your passport is not valid for a certain time after entering a country or that you do not have empty pages in any passport to but a stamp ( a wet stamp done by hand by the immigration officer when you enter e g Spain or France or Portugal for the Camino) or any country in the world ; you will be refused entry .

Please don't take this as any criticism please.You can do everything you like having the right backpack, the right boots but if you don't have a right travel documentation then please make sure that you do have them .

As far as comprehensive insurance is concerned please check this carefully because if you die of a heart attack or of an accident or of food poisoning ( just to mention something) who will take care of your case and how will your remains ( God for forbid) be returned to your country of origin.. I'm not trying to be funny or trying to talk down on you but the something that one has to take seriously because it can happen to anyone from 16 to 90.!

Accidents happen and one has to be prepared for this because it is very expensive to cover all there unforeseen expenses if you are not properly insured .

Please my friend chat with your insurance company whether you are insured internationally should you do the Camino.

Buen Camino y que todo va bien!!

Saludos

 

[Steven Dwyer]

Exactly what is "Comprehensive Travel Insurance"? Would my private insurance be adequate if it includes travel?

Before relying on any insurance, make certain you have read all of the fine print. It might include travel, but not international travel, It also might have an exclusion for hiking. While basic medical care in Spain is very inexpensive, something major happening is always a possibility. A travel specific policy can have basic medical coverage, or it can include things like trip cancellation, lost baggage, theft.

At 62 I now feel much better with a travel policy. On my early caminos I ended up with tendonitis that took three trips to the military hospital in Burgos by the former alberge outside of town. With X-rays, doctors visits including a specialist I was very pleasantly surprised that the coverage was provided for free. Another time I ended up in a clinic after a bad fall and the bill was about $30.

 

[Gerhard58]

Amen!!

 

[Marigold Mama]

Dear Marigold, I agree with what Whari contributed, you know you must be a little bit more aware of the political situation when you travel internationally. Please don't assume that because you are a holder after certain passport you are immune to immigration and entry limitations.

I promise you that if your passport is not valid for a certain time after entering a country or that you do not have empty pages in any passport to but a stamp ( a wet stamp done by hand by the immigration officer when you enter e g Spain or France or Portugal for the Camino) or any country in the world ; you will be refused entry .

Please don't take this as any criticism please.You can do everything you like having the right backpack, the right boots but if you don't have a right travel documentation then please make sure that you do have them .

As far as comprehensive insurance is concerned please check this carefully because if you die of a heart attack or of an accident or of food poisoning ( just to mention something) who will take care of your case and how will your remains ( God for forbid) be returned to your country of origin.. I'm not trying to be funny or trying to talk down on you but the something that one has to take seriously because it can happen to anyone from 16 to 90.!

Accidents happen and one has to be prepared for this because it is very expensive to cover all there unforeseen expenses if you are not properly insured .

Please my friend chat with your insurance company whether you are insured internationally should you do the Camino.

Buen Camino y que todo va bien!!

Saludos

 

[Marigold Mama]

Thank you. It is with gratitude, I accept all invitations to advise.

 

[Atlas Traveler]

Please remember a Visa for Schengen Countries have the following travel health insurance requirements:

10. Proof of travel/medical insurance (please note that your medical insurance card alone is not sufficient proof!) to cover possible medical expenses, hospitalization costs, repatriation of mortal remains and repatriation for medical reasons while traveling in Belgium or in other Schengen countries. Minimum coverage must be at least 30,000 EURO and must be paid directly to the provider in Belgium by the insurance company. Please provide a photocopy and the original contract which will be returned to you. You will have to show proof of travel/accident insurance when entering the Schengen area.

http://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/search/newsroom/insurance

 

[peregrina2000]

Before relying on any insurance, make certain you have read all of the fine print.

I would like to second that recommendation. The fine print for travel insurance is just like the fine print in any other adhesion contract. A friend with much more patience than I did plow through the terms of several of these companies and found there were huge differences.

One company's policy "provides for repatriation of remains" or "provides for medical evacuation," but when he read the fine print he saw that what that means is that they will take it upon themselves to find you a company to bring your body home or to evacuate you, but you will bear the actual cost of transportation. So, "provides for" means -- "finds you a service provider" not "pay for the cost of service."

You can expect to find lots of other coverage carve-outs if the travel insurance industry is anything like the domestic (US) insurance industry. Definition of pre-existing conditions is another thing that jumps to mind as well.

 

[trecile]

One company's policy "provides for repatriation of remains" or "provides for medical evacuation," but when he read the fine print he saw that what that means is that they will take it upon themselves to find you a company to bring your body home or to evacuate you, but you will bear the actual cost of transportation. So, "provides for" means -- "finds you a service provider" not "pay for the cost of service."

That's very interesting. I'll make sure to read my policy very carefully!

 

[mikebet]

Please remember a Visa for Schengen Countries have the following travel health insurance requirements:

10. Proof of travel/medical insurance (please note that your medical insurance card alone is not sufficient proof!) to cover possible medical expenses, hospitalization costs, repatriation of mortal remains and repatriation for medical reasons while traveling in Belgium or in other Schengen countries. Minimum coverage must be at least 30,000 EURO and must be paid directly to the provider in Belgium by the insurance company. Please provide a photocopy and the original contract which will be returned to you. You will have to show proof of travel/accident insurance when entering the Schengen area.

http://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/search/newsroom/insurance

Is this a new requirement? I have never been asked to show proof of medical coverage on entry to any European or Asian country.

 

[trecile]

Is this a new requirement? I have never been asked to show proof of medical coverage on entry to any European or Asian country.

Are you a citizen a country that needs to apply for a Schengen visa?

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Is this a new requirement? I have never been asked to show proof of medical coverage on entry to any European or Asian country.

These conditions only apply to countries outside the visa waiver scheme as @trecile has pointed towards.

 

[Malachiuri]

These requirements have more or less been in place since we started our yearly stay in France. Heck, by the official paperwork requirements, we should have to provide official proof of our lodging for the months we are here as well as a full financial accounting proving we can afford to stay in addition to medical insurance etc.

Never once have we been asked in well over a decade.

Not saying anyone should ignore this stuff, just be aware of it and do whats most comfortable for you.

Quirky paperwork is the cornerstone of Europe's many govts and mostly it tends to get ignored.

Cheers!

M